Our Staff
"I can honestly say after 30+ years in education that we have assembled here at Kaurilands the most talented, hardworking, caring, creative and innovative staff I have ever worked with. This is every member of our 60 strong staff - what a team, they make me proud everyday." - Jo Augustine, Principal
Abby Skeen
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rua (22) Teacher Year 2 / Maths Curriculum Leader
[email protected]It’s my forth year teaching at Kaurilands and I absolutely love it! Being part of the junior school is lots of fun and I enjoy seeing children thrive in positive environments, having fun and being hands on. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Ben Fletcher
Year 3 Rūma Tekau mā Toru (13) Teacher / Maths Curriculum Leader
[email protected]I am super excited to take on new challenges and work with an awesome bunch of tamariki this year. We all learn in different ways and my passion is exploring students' differences and finding creative ways for everyone to excel in who they are. Outside school I enjoy the surf, bush and garden.
Carron Grayson
Office Assistant / Medical Room
[email protected]My 3 sons attended Kaurilands and I have worked in the office for 12 years. We’re a friendly bunch and love helping our school’s families enjoy their time at Kaurilands. Our students are delightful, every one different, so there's never a dull moment here. I love yoga and travelling.
Catriona Pianina
Year 3 Teacher / Rūma Tekau
[email protected]I am a creative teacher with a dollop of down to earth wisdom thrown in for good measure. I love to dance, sing, imagine, use positive mindset, write, explore nature and create. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my daughter who is a student at Kaurilands School.
Clare Taylor
Teacher Aide
[email protected]As a Teacher Aide here at Kaurilands I have the honour of assisting teachers and students in years 5 and 6. I'm blown away everyday by the support and care fostered here by all, to ensure a well rounded learning experience. I love hiking in the bush and swimming at any meeting of sea and sand.
Denise Neilson
Administrator
[email protected]A welcoming, friendly and fun place full of lovely people has been my first impression of Kaurilands School. It is a delight to be a part of such a fabulous team in the school office. Away from work I love to spend time with family and friends, read lots, watch things grow and also eat cake.
Erin Halfpenny
Administrator
[email protected]A warm hello from the accounts office. I have two boys here at Kaurilands School - what a wonderful community we are all part of. When I’m not working, you will find me cruising around the BMX track, walking my dog Perry or spending time with family and friends.
Erin Namajuska
Associate Principal - Senior Leadership Team (Assessment and Reporting Leader)
[email protected]I have had the pleasure of teaching our amazing students for 11 great years. I have a passion for teaching and learning and do my very best to make learning engaging and fun for all. I am excited about working with children across the school this year in my new role as Assistant Principal.
Frances O’Hanlon
Year 5 Rūma Tahi (1) Teacher / Student Leadership
[email protected]Kaurilands is a fantastic whānau to be part of and a great place to work. I love what I do and am fortunate to work with an awesome group of tamariki and a great team. I believe it is important to know my students and provide them with a safe environment where they can explore their passions.
Georgia Thompson
Year 6 Teacher Rūma Toru
[email protected]I am beginning my teaching career at Kaurilands School this year. I am excited to face new challenges and work with all our fantastic tamariki. I have a passion for the arts and love spending time with my whānau. I am looking forward to finding my place in the Kaurilands community.
Gillian Howard
Administrator
[email protected]Hi I’m Gillian, School Administrator. You’ll find me in Nancy’s office; she is leaving us soon after many years of service to our school and community.
Both of our children attended Kaurilands school and it’s great to be back after a few years away.
Please pop in it will be lovely to meet you.
Grace McDonald
Library Assistant
[email protected]Hi I’m Grace, I love books! I have the best job ever! Kaurilands library has a lot to offer all students; a great place to hang out. My association with Kaurilands School began in 2008 as a parent helper, starting on staff in 2015. Outside school, I read and potter in the garden.
Grant O'Connor
Associate Principal
[email protected]My investment of time, as an educator, is best served teaching people how to think about the world around them - Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tēna koutou, I am excited to be a part of the Kaurilands whānau as an Associate Principal and parent. My passion is to inspire kids to do great things!
Hamish Morgan
Rūma Ono (6) Year 4 Teacher / Sport/Health & PE Curriculum Leader
[email protected]I have been a member of the Kauriland's community since I attended school here in 1995. As well as my classroom responsibilities I am the NZEI Representative and the Director of Sport.
Hannah Haaker
Year 6 Rūma Wha (4) Teacher / Student Leadership
[email protected]I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Kaurilands whānau for 3 years now, it feels like home! I enjoy working and learning alongside the beautiful staff and tamariki in our community. I am an animal lover who enjoys spending time with my whānau outdoors all year round.
Hannah MacPherson
Year 4 Teacher Rūma Waru (8) Teacher
[email protected]I’m passionate about teaching and learning. I believe in all students getting the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment. Although I am still relatively new to Kaurilands, I have settled in quickly thanks to the amazing children and staff. Outside of school I love to cook.
Hayley Jesperson
Rūma Tekau mā whitu Teacher (17) / Y1 Team Leader
[email protected]I am passionate about teaching Juniors and making sure the transition from early childhood is as smooth as can be for children and whanau. My 4 children attended this great school so I was involved as a parent before I started working here. I love reading, walking and being at the beach.
Jackie Fletcher
Secretary
[email protected]I love working in the school office, our staff are a fun, crazy bunch - including the Principal! Both my husband and boys attended Kaurilands which has always been a great community minded school worthy of its’ well known reputation for being warm and welcoming. I like crocheting and travelling.
Jackie Taylor
Associate Principal
[email protected]I have been teaching over 30 years and still love every day of my job. Kaurilands is certainly the most outstanding and inspiring school I have worked at. Teaching is simply the best. Out of school my passions are gardening, reading and spending time with whānau and friends.
Jaimee Leigh Thompson
Rūma Tekau mā waru (18) Teacher
[email protected]Hi! I'm Jaimee. I have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2016 and absolutely love working in the junior school! I have a degree in early childhood education and a graduate diploma in primary school teaching. I am passionate about transition to school processes and early literacy acquisition.
Jenna Powell
Year 3 Teacher - Rūma Tekau mā Rua (12)
[email protected]I love being a part of the Kaurilands community and whānau working alongside passionate and inspiring teachers. I love to provide authentic, fun and challenging learning experiences focussing on what is important in the children's world. Teaching reading and writing is my passion.
Jo Augustine
Principal
[email protected]I have had the privilege of being the Principal of Kaurilands for 8 years. We have the most hardworking, caring and innovative staff I have ever worked with. We aim to provide the best learning opportunities for our children. Our relationships with you and your children are our most valued priority.
Jo Senio
Rūma Tekau mā iwa (19) Teacher
[email protected]Talofa, I'm Jo and I have the privilege of teaching in Room 19 on Fridays and relieving around the school. I have three children, two who are here at Kaurilands and one preschooler. I absolutely love Kaurilands, both as a teacher and a parent. I feel very blessed to be part of such a great school.
Jocelyn Heremaia
[email protected]I have been associated with Kaurilands School for 36 years. I love working at Kaurilands School and have a wonderful supportive group of colleagues who have always been there in times of need. I love travelling, spending time with my family. I am passionate about many sports and still play tennis.
Josh Farrell
Year 6 Teacher Rūma Toru / Y6 Team Leader
[email protected]I am privileged to lead the Y6 team alongside passionate and innovative Kaiako. I enjoy learning about individual strengths, talents and interests that ākonga bring to our kura. My aim is to provide learning opportunities enabling all ākonga to become confident and successful lifelong learners.
Kara Wilkins
Rūma Rua Tekau mā whā Teacher
[email protected]I have been a part of the staff at Kaurilands since 2009. Both my children attend our kura. I love teaching in the juniors, we have a supportive team and lots of fun. When I’m not teaching, I’m chilling with my whānau and indulging my love of photography, art and design.
Karen Topps
Teacher Aide
[email protected]Karen is a teacher aide and also responsible for much of the beautifully displayed artwork around our school. In her own time she lovingly and skillfully frames and displays the creative products of our ākonga.
Kim Morgan
Rūma Rua Tekau (20) Teacher
[email protected]I have been working at Kaurilands for 17 years and I still look forward to coming to work each day. We have a special environment at Kaurilands and I am proud to be a member of this community. I am a keen reader, I keep fit by walking and I love to travel!
Kim Williams
Rūma Waru (8) Year 4 Teacher / Te Kahui Leader
[email protected]Kia ora te whānau, I have been part of the fabulous Kaurilands kura for 4 years. My two tamariki also attend our kura. I love being a part of our student’s school journey and like them I am always keen to know more!I Outside of school I am passionate about spending time with my whānau!
Kirsten Pickett
Rūma Tekau mā iwa (19) Teacher
[email protected]I have been a teacher for 21 years and joined the Kaurilands team 2 years ago. I love teaching Juniors and feel blessed to work with such a supportive staff and community. My children attend this amazing school. I love spending time with my family and friends and listening to music.
Kyle Ayres
Rūma Whitu (7) Teacher
[email protected]I have recently graduated from the University of Auckland and am excited to be starting my teaching career in Ruma Whitu with a year 4 class. In my spare time I enjoy anything to do with water and sport, snowboarding and lots of good food.
Kylie Inancsi
Teacher Aide
[email protected]Kylie helps international students to learn English and works one on one with some students in class. Her own two daughters have been students at Kaurilands School.
Laura Turner
Librarian
[email protected]I have the privilege of looking after the amazing Kaurilands library. I am from Scotland and I have been living in New Zealand since 2003. I have two children at Kaurilands. I have been a librarian for nearly 20 years. My job is the best as I get to share my passions, books & reading, with students.
Lillian Bombay
Rūma Rua Tekau mā tahi (21) Teacher / Environment Curriculum Leader
[email protected]I have been at Kaurilands for 13 years, flittering between Years 1, 2 and 3. Juniors are my cup of tea. There's never a dull moment in my job. I love children's honesty, excitement and willingness to learn. In my class, I value being creative through art, music and imagination.
Linda Heckler
Rūma Rima (5) Teacher / Y4 Team Leader
[email protected]Kia Ora! As well enjoying teaching Rūma Rima, I am Year 4 team leader. I have two children, one in Year 7 at Glen Eden Intermediate and one in Year 9 at Green Bay High. As a family, we enjoy sailing, skiing and walking our two border collies.
Lisa Harding
Rūma Tekau mā Ono (Rm 16) Teacher
[email protected]I feel very lucky to be beginning my teaching journey here at Kaurilands. I love working with children and discovering who they are and how they think. My passions are Art and Writing and I like finding creative ways to teach. I enjoy spending time with my four children and walking my dog.
Lucia Williams
Teacher Aide
[email protected]I started parent helping in my son's class and eventually decided to study and completed a Certificate in Teacher Aiding. I love working at Kaurilands School. I am a big kid at heart so it really makes my day doing what I do supporting the children I work with.
Melissa Williams
Rūma Tekau mā rima (15) Teacher
[email protected]I absolutely love teaching at Kaurilands school because the staff, community and children are amazing! Teaching in Year 1 is a magical year where you get to see so much wonder and experience the infectious energy of 5-year-olds. Check out our seesaw blog below to see what we have been up to.
Peta Dickens
Teacher Aide
Peta has been part of our staff here at Kaurilands for many years, starting when her own son was a student 25 years ago. Peta keeps our art resources well stocked and organised, helps students with their reading and looks after our gardens.
Rebecca Barrett
Ruma Iwa (9) Teacher
[email protected]Kaurilands is an amazing school to work at. The supportive staff and community make it truly unique. I love to provide hands-on learning experiences which foster curiosity and encourage children to develop creative thinking skills. I am passionate about integrating the arts into my teaching.
Robyn Applegate
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rima (25) Teacher
I am thrilled to be joining Kaurilands and look forward to many learning adventures with our tamariki. I am passionate about creating a positive classroom environment where students feel supported and excited about their learning. I love travelling, music, photography and family time.
Sandra Fletcher
Caretaker
[email protected]Sandra takes care of our school, night and day. We have her to thanks for the upkeep of our beautiful buildings and grounds. You'll often find Sandra with a wheelbarrow or buried up to her elbows in a garden.
Sarah Boeinghoff
Medical Room
[email protected]Sarah looks after all our injured students and helps prepare medical kits for trips. Sarah's two children were once students at Kaurilands too.
Sarah Milner
Release Teacher
[email protected]My involvement with Kaurilands began 5 years ago and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals. This year I am providing beginning teacher, curriculum and team leader release and get to work within every different year level of the school.
Sarah Muthiah
Rūma Tahi (1) Teacher Year 5 / Digital Curriculum Leader
[email protected]I love working at Kaurilands because we have such a supportive community and kura. I am excited to be teaching Year 5's this year in Rūma Tahi and providing them with engaging learning experiences. When I am not at school I enjoy going on walks with my dog Bronx and spending time with my whānau.
Siân Branks
Rūma Rua (2) / Y5 Teacher / Y5 Team Leader
[email protected]I love teaching at Kaurilands. It's an innovative, supportive and extremely beautiful school that feels like home. My teaching philosophy is centered in 21st C pedagogy and providing authentic learning opportunities. I am a league supporter and I love all things Pasifika and Te Reo Māori.
Stacey Anyan
Rūma Tekau mā Whā Y1 Teacher
[email protected]My adventures at Playcentre with my tamariki inspired me to return to teaching. I love sharing in children's natural wonder and curiosity about our world. I'm stoked to be at Kaurilands with my tamariki as there is such a strong sense of community and kinship here.
Stephanie Martin
Rūma Whā (4) Teacher
[email protected]I am so excited to be entering my third year at Kaurilands and furthering my journey in this energetic and inspiring community! I love to encourage children’s curiosity about the world around us and provide meaningful learning opportunities for them to connect with their wonderings.
Steve Van Nes
Rūma Rua (Y5) Teacher
[email protected]I am starting my second year here and am constantly humbled by the amazing community at Kaurilands. I love making school fun, engaging and meaningful for all tamariki and am passionate about preparing them for the future! I enjoy spending time with my little family in this beautiful country of ours.
Suzanne Freeman
Rūma Rua Tekau mā toru (23) Teacher / Y2 Team Leader / Literacy Curriculum Leader
[email protected]What an amazing community we have at Kaurilands – passionate teachers, supportive whānau and inspiring students. I am passionate about literacy and numeracy and realise the importance of motivating and engaging my students in their own learning. I love my family, friends and enjoy travelling.
Toni Holdaway
Teacher Aide
[email protected]I have two kids that have come through Kaurilands and loved it. My passion is to connect with our tamariki that need a little extra support in their learning journey so they can blossom to their full potential. I love having fun, lots of laughs with hugs on call.
Tracey Henderson
Rūma Waru (8) Teacher
[email protected]A talented artist with a great sense of humour, Tracey co-teaches with Kim in Room 9 on a Friday. Tracey has been part of our kura for many years. You will find her beautiful artwork in many parts of our school.
Tracy Sutherland
Associate Principal
[email protected]My name is Tracy and I have had a long, happy and exciting association with Kaurilands School. I have 2 children who have also attended here and absolutely loved it. In my spare time I love to read or go to the gym. I love working with children and thoroughly enjoy coming to work each day.
Vicki Palmer
Music Specialist
[email protected]I am passionate about music, singing and the performing arts. I love to use music exploration, to give students a basic knowledge and understanding of the musical elements, musicianship as well as weaving in some drama, dance,art and literacy. I also lead the senior choir.
