Staff Updates

Introducing ...

MARTIN BAILEY PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Martin joined Kristin from an IB school in Shanghai, where he taught IB Psychology, Economics and Theory of Knowledge. Originating from the UK, Martin holds two BA degrees and a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Liverpool. He has a wealth of work experience, including working for Sport of England and Edinburgh International Conference Centre in Scotland.

RACHEL BELL – ARCHIVIST

Rachel is in the newly created role of Archivist to help prepare for Kristin’s 50th celebrations in 2023. She has just completed her Master of Information Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, and undertook work placements at the NZ Maritime Museum, ANZ Bank archives and Blind Low Vision New Zealand. She is a qualified jeweller, so brings a wealth of creativity to this role.

HELEN BERGHUIS BUSINESS STUDIES AND ECONOMICS TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

We are delighted to welcome Helen back to New Zealand after teaching overseas for over 15 years. Recently working at the Bangkok Patana School, Helen was the Head of Faculty for Humanities and a teacher of IB Business Studies and Economics. Originally qualifying with a BCom from the University of Auckland, she also holds a National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership from the University College of London.

TONY BERGHUIS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Married to Helen, Tony joins us from overseas also, where he was working at the Patana School in Thailand for more than 15 years. Tony has held many roles: Leader of Primary Literacy, Year 6 Leader of Learning, Head of Year 7 and a Senior Teacher for Key Stage 3 Curriculum and assessment. Before leaving to go overseas he was the Head of Intermediate at Parnell District School. Tony’s passion for student performance has seen him join our newly combined team of Inclusive Education.

Kristin was delighted to welcome the following new staff to the family this year.

TONY CHURCH – OUTDOOR ED AND PE TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

It is extremely important to find an Outdoor Education teacher who is passionate and knowledgeable about the outdoors, and has the relevant experience to keep our students safe. Tony has a wealth of experience from working at Bigfoot Adventures, Sports & Education Development (Australia), Travancore School (Australia) and running his own business in overseas school expeditions. Tony joins us from First Training as a Certified Workplace First Aid Trainer, as well as holding a Bachelor of Sport & Recreation in Outdoor Education.

MARY DAVEY – LEARNING ASSISTANT JUNIOR SCHOOL

Originally from the UK, Mary relocated to New Zealand in 2012. She has a wealth of corporate experience, and more recently has been the ESOL Learning Support Assistant with Sunnynook Primary School for the last two years. Mary joins us to work alongside our Year 0 classes in the Junior School.

FERNANDO DE CARVALHO ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR

Working as part of the Finance team, Fernando is responsible for supporting accounts payable, staff reimbursements and reconciliations. Originally from Brazil, Fernando established his home here in New Zealand over nine years ago, where he gained his Bachelor of Business Administration.

REBECCA ELCOMBE – PHYSICS & SCIENCE TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Rebecca completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching last year after completing her BSc in Chemistry and Physics at the University of Auckland. She has a passion for sharing her scientific knowledge with students, and an ability to explain complicated concepts in simple terms.

NEIL GRAHAM – ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

Neil joins us for a change of career after 20 years with St John as a Paramedic. Neil was also responsible for the operations of two station houses, so brings skills and knowledge of building maintenance, working with contractors, and health and safety.

KAELA JERKOVICH TEACHER LITTLE DOVES

Kaela joins us in the Nikau Room and brings a wealth of experience from Bear Park Early Childhood Centres in Kohimarama and Remuera. She gained a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from NZ Tertiary College.

VIRGINIA LAWSON – TECHNOLOGY TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Ginny has a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Otago Polytechnic and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary teaching from Massey University. She taught at Bayfield High School in Dunedin before relocating to Auckland. Last year Ginny was at Takapuna Grammar and this year is teaching a range of technology subjects in our Middle School.

ANA MENDONCA SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

As an integral part of the Science Faculty, Ana is responsible for supporting Science teachers with the practical elements of science experiments, lessons and assessments, as part of the curriculum. Ana has previously worked as a Science Technician and also worked in scientific laboratories.

ROXANNE MORRISON JUNIOR SCHOOL TEACHER

Another Kiwi to return to New Zealand is Roxy. She is a Year 3 teacher in the Junior School. Roxy was a Year 3 teacher at Mellons Bay Primary before heading to Australia and teaching Year 4 at Claremont College in Sydney. Her strengths are in digital technologies, literacy and differentiation.

KATE OLSEN – TEACHING ASSISTANT LITTLE DOVES

Kate supports the teachers in the Nikau Room as she is passionate about working with children, and will be looking to study to become an Early Childhood teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and previously worked at The Warehouse.

NAOMI RANGI – PE AND HEALTH TEACHER

Naomi is another Kiwi who has recently returned from overseas. She worked at the British International School in Saudi Arabia for over eight years, holding the roles of Assistant IB Coordinator and Head of Year. She taught Physical Education, Sports Exercise and Health Science, and Theory of Knowledge. Her Bachelor of Physical Education degree was from University of Otago and she holds a Master of Administration Education from the University of England in Australia.

SOPHIE READ-ELLIS DANCE & DRAMA TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Some of our students remember Sophie, who completed her practicums here at Kristin last year. She holds a Bachelor of Dance Studies and a Graduate Diploma in teaching from the University of Auckland. She has been a private dance instructor with Bays School of Dance for over seven years, teaching tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, acrobatics and ballet.

KYLIE RYAN DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING

Kylie is based in our Wellness Centre and prior to joining Kristin was running her own business consulting on wellbeing, mental health and sexual health. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Public Health from Massey University. Kylie started her career as a Training Manager for Rape Prevention Education, and then expanded to various other roles such as Health Promoting Schools Advisor for the DHB, National Manager for DARE Foundation, Wellbeing Lead for the University of Auckland and the Wellbeing and Injury Advisor at the Bank of NZ.

DR CHANTELLE SAVILLE ENGLISH TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Having completed two years as a Senior Tutor at the University of Auckland in Critical Thinking, Chantelle has a BA Hons, Doctor of Philosophy and Master’s in Literature. She completed her Postgraduate Diploma in teaching last year and joins us in the English Faculty with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

GEORGINA SILK GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR

Georgina joins the Wellness Centre to job-share with Elaine Driver as a Guidance Counsellor. She is completing her Master’s of Counselling this year, and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Theory with Distinction from the University of Auckland. Georgina is also a qualified Dance and Drama teacher and an experienced counsellor from Saint Kentigern College and Rainbow Youth.

AMANDA STUART SPORTS MANAGER – TENNIS & BADMINTON

Amanda has joined our Sports Department part-time to coordinate Tennis and Badminton, two of our growing sport areas. As part of the Sports Department, she also supports whole-school activities such as Swimming Sports, Cross-Country and Athletics Days. Amanda has numerous years of experience as an Executive Assistant as well as a former Programme Coordinator for Victoria Women’s High Performance Centre for Gymnastics in Melbourne.

BRENDA THORRINGTON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION TEACHER MIDDLE/SENIOR SCHOOL

Brenda started her career as the Head of Department for Music at Mangere College and progressed her career to be the GATE Teacher at Browns Bay Primary School. Her most recent position was as the Auckland Lead Teacher with New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education. She is now part of our Inclusive Education team.