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
Rōpū Iwa (Rms 27/28) Teacher
abbys@kaurilands.school.nzI love seeing children reach their full potential. I believe it is important to create a positive learning environment so all children can succeed! Everyone at Kaurilands has a great sense of humour. Outside of school I enjoy travelling, playing netball and spending time with friends.
Ben Fletcher
Rōpū Whitu Teacher
benf@kaurilands.school.nzI’m a first year teacher and am very happy to be starting my teaching career in such a warm-hearted school full of fun and passionate people. Big believer in recognising and accepting children for who they are and not expecting every child to fit the same mould. I love anything outdoors in nature.
Carron Grayson
Office Assistant / Medical Room
carrong@kaurilands.school.nzMy 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
Teacher
catrionap@kaurilands.school.nzI 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 O'Gorman
Teacher
clareo@kaurilands.school.nzI am excited about teaching at Kaurilands this year! I encourage tamariki to be inquisitive thinkers and creative problem solvers. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors and motorsport, especially drifting.
Clare Taylor
Teacher Aide
claret@kaurilands.school.nzAs 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
denisen@kaurilands.school.nzA 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
erinh@kaurilands.school.nzA 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
Ruma 16 (currently in staffroom) Teacher / Y3 Team Leader /PE & Health Curriculum Leader
erinn@kaurilands.school.nzI have had the pleasure of teaching the amazing students at Kaurilands School for 10 great years. I have a passion for teaching and learning and do my very best to make learning engaging and fun for all. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching netball and spending time with my friends.
Frances O’Hanlon
Rōpū Tahi Teacher / Literacy Curriculum Leader
franceso@kaurilands.school.nzKaurilands is a fantastic whānau to be a part of and is a great place to work. I love what I do, I feel fortunate to be working with an awesome group of tamariki and a great team. Knowing my students and providing a safe environment where they can explore their passions is important.
Gillian Howard
Administrator
accounts@kaurilands.school.nzHi 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
gracem@kaurilands.school.nzHi 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.
Hamish Morgan
Room 24 Teacher
hamishm@kaurilands.school.nzI attended Kaurilands as a child, I have worked here as a KiwiSport Activator and now I am in Year 1 Room 24 teaching.
Hannah Kay
Rōpū Toru Teacher
hannahk@kaurilands.school.nzI am so excited about my second year of teaching at Kaurilands School and being lucky enough to be apart of such a positive and caring community! In my spare time you will find me walking my dog Onyx in the Waitakere ranges or out of Auckland visiting whanau.
Hannah MacPherson
Room 18 Teacher
hannahm@kaurilands.school.nzI’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.
Hannah Pragert
Rōpū Whitu Teacher /
hannahp@kaurilands.school.nzThis is my fourth year teaching at Kaurilands. I love my job and I am lucky to be working alongside such supportive, passion and collaborative people. I believe that children learn best when they feel happy and safe in their environment.
I like doing DIY projects and reading Harry Potter.
Hayley Jesperson
Room 21 Teacher / Y1 Team Leader
hayleyj@kaurilands.school.nzI 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.
Ingrid Belt
Teacher
ingridb@kaurilands.school.nzI have been teaching at Kaurilands Primary since 2012. I have experience teaching Intermediate children. ESOL and Reading Recovery. This year I am doing my Masters in Education focusing on dyslexia. I may not be in a classroom but you will still see me around.
Jackie Fletcher
Secretary
secretary@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
JackieT@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Room 20 Teacher
jaimeeleight@kaurilands.school.nzI am a beginning teacher in my second year of teaching. I have a degree in early childhood education and a graduate diploma in primary school teaching.
I want my students to feel like our classroom is their second family- a place where we all laugh, play, have fun, and learn together!
Jenna Powell
Teacher
jennap@kaurilands.school.nzI love being a part of the Kaurilands community and whānau working alongside passionate and inspiring teachers. I enjoy working in the Innovative Learning Environment where children can lead their learning focussing on what is important in their world. Teaching reading and writing is my passion.
Jo Augustine
Principal
joa@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Room 19 Teacher
jos@kaurilands.school.nzTalofa, 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.
Jo Woods
Ruma Kowhai Teacher
jow@kaurilands.school.nzI have started teaching in Year 4 and I am loving it! My own two children attend Kaurilands School. At the weekend I love spending time with my family at the beach .
Jocelyn Heremaia
Y1 Team Leader
jocelynh@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Y5/6 Team Leader
joshf@kaurilands.school.nzI am proud to work at such a caring and welcoming kura. I believe that we are all teachers as well as learners and I love finding out about the passions and interests of ākonga. One of the most exciting things about education is the process of finding innovative ways to engage and inspire.
Kara Wilkins
Room 29 Teacher
karaw@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
karent@kaurilands.school.nzKaren 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
Room 25 Teacher
kimm@kaurilands.school.nzI have been working at Kaurilands for 15 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 an avid reader, I like walking and love travelling.
Kim Williams
Room 10 (currently in Ahi Kaa) Teacher
kimw@kaurilands.school.nzKia 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!
Kimberly Newmarch
Teacher
kimberlyn@kaurilands.school.nzI have been teaching at Kaurilands for over 7 years. I really enjoy working in our Innovative Learning Environment because of the teachers and children that I work with. I am always amazed by how the tamariki lead their learning everyday. I enjoy reading, cooking and holidays with my family.
Kirsten Pickett
Room 19 Teacher
kirstenp@kaurilands.school.nzI 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.
Kylie Inancsi
Teacher Aide
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
laurat@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Room 26 Teacher
lillianb@kaurilands.school.nzI have been at Kaurilands for 12 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
Rōpū Waru (Rm 8a) Teacher / Y4 Team Leader
LindaH@kaurilands.school.nzAs well as my classroom responsibilities I also take the curriculum enrichment group for children with dyslexia. I have two children, one here at Kaurilands in Year 5 and one in Year 7 at Glen Eden Intermediate. As a family we enjoy sailing, skiing and walking our two border collies.
Lucia Williams
Teacher Aide
luciaw@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Teacher
melissaw@kaurilands.school.nzI am new to Kaurilands and I am really looking forward to working with such a wonderful group of teachers. I love teaching 5 year olds and encouraging their curiosity by providing meaningful learning opportunities. I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends.
Micaela Bonnar
Room 22 Teacher
MicaelaB@kaurilands.school.nzI'm privileged to be on the staff at Kaurilands School. I am a member of the awesome Year 3 team, the Co-Leader of Literacy and a Mentor Teacher. I love teaching and working with children. Outside of school, I like to spend time in nature, holiday in Matakana, and take the dog on bushwalks.
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.
Rachel Thorpe
Digital Learning Specialist / Digital Curriculum Leader
rachelt@kaurilands.school.nzIt’s my privilege to be the digital learning specialist at Kaurilands, a place I’ve been also been part of as a student and a teacher. My role means I get to help teachers, kids and families use digital technology to enhance their lives and learning. Every day brings a new challenge and I LOVE it.
Rebecca Barrett
Ruma Kowhai Teacher
rebeccab@kaurilands.school.nzKaurilands 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.
Sandra Fletcher
Caretaker
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
Teacher Aide / Medical Room
Sarah looks after all our injured students and helps prepare medical kits for trips. She also works one on one with some students on their learning. Sarah's two children were once students at Kaurilands too.
Sarah Milner
Release Teacher
sarahm@kaurilands.school.nzMy 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
Room 17 Teacher
sarahlm@Kaurilands.school.nzHi I'm Sarah, a classroom teacher in Room 14. I enjoy working at Kaurilands because we have such a supportive community and school. I believe in creating positive relationships with every child I meet to help them grow. In my spare time I enjoy playing squash and taking my dog for runs.
Siân Branks
Y5/6 Team Leader
sians@kaurilands.school.nzI 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.
Stephanie Martin
Room 9 (currently in Room 16) Teacher
stephanieM@kaurilands.school.nzI began my journey here last year as a member of the amazing Year 4 team. I have quickly found a home here amongst our 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.
Suzanne Freeman
Rōpū Iwa (Rms 27/28) Teacher / Y2 Team Leader
suzannef@kaurilands.school.nzI feel privileged to be part of such a supportive community of passionate teachers. I have had Reading Recovery training and love teaching maths. I am passionate about children’s learning and am continually amazed by how 5 and 6 year olds learn! I love spending time with my family and travelling.
Toni Holdaway
Teacher Aide
tonih@kaurilands.school.nzI 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
Room 10 (currently in Ahi Kaa) Teacher
traceyh@kaurilands.school.nzA talented artist with a great sense of humour, Tracey co-teaches with Kim in Room 10 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
tracys@kaurilands.school.nzMy 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
vickip@kaurilands.school.nzI 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.
Violet Luatua
Room 30 Teacher
violetl@kaurilands.school.nzMy name is Violet and as a new teacher to Kaurilands School, I look forward to helping your tamariki grow in their learning. My Cook Island/Welsh culture has taught me to celebrate and embrace all cultures of Aotearoa. I have a special interest in singing, crafts & outdoor education.