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 Lausev
Rūma Rua Tekau mā Rua (Room 22) Teacher Year 2 / Maths I-CoL/Curriculum Leader
[email protected]This year I am excited to be teaching again in the Yr 2 team. I am passionate about creating a positive, fun and challenging environment where I can foster all children’s needs and get to know them as individuals. I like spending time with my family, playing netball and being outdoors.
Amelia Le Cheminant
Rūma Tekau mā iwa (Room 19) Teacher
[email protected]I absolutely love being part of the school community at Kaurilands. I have taught all age groups, but I particularly enjoy the magic that happens in junior classrooms. I am looking forward to working with Paula in Rūma Tekau ma Iwa and welcoming our newest tamariki to Kaurilands School.
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
Rūma Tekau mā rua (Room 12) Teacher / Well-being I-CoL
[email protected]I absolutely love teaching Year 3 at our kura! I am passionate about the wellbeing of our tamariki and making time to learn how I can best help each child be the best they can be! In my spare time I like to chill out in nature, swim, redecorate and play with our two new mischievous kittens!
Clare O'Gorman
Rūma Tekau mā ono (Room 16) Teacher / Junior Maths Curriculum Leader
[email protected]Kia ora. I am excited to be teaching Year 1 this year! I have taught a range of year levels and I particularly enjoy teaching five year olds. I love their natural curiosity and the enthusiasm they bring to their learning. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors.
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.
Erin Namajuska
Acting Principal (Term 1) - 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
Rūma Ono (Room 6) Teacher
[email protected]I am excited to be part of the Yr 4 team teaching in Rūma Ono. Kaurilands is a caring and supportive community that feels like a second family. I believe connections to my tamariki and their whānau is essential. I love creating innovative ways to make learning fun, purposeful and engaging.
Georgia Martin
Rūma Waru (Room 8) Teacher
[email protected]I am a first year teacher lucky to begin my career at Kaurilands. I believe children learn best through collaboration and will strive for participation and engagement with my Rūma Waru students. I enjoy being outdoors with friends and family and I am so excited to join the Kaurilands community.
Georgia Thompson
Rūma Ahi Kaa Teacher
[email protected]Kia ora, I’m Georgia! This will be my second year teaching the awesome Year 6's in our kura. I love teaching all areas and building relationships with tamariki and whānau. I am looking forward to an amazing year and working with a fantastic team.
Gillian Howard
Administrator
[email protected]Hi I’m Gillian, School Administrator. You’ll find me in the Accounts Office.
Both of my 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]Tēna koutou. Ko Grant tōku ingoa. I feel privileged to be part of this amazing kura (school). Passionate about education, I particularly enjoy connecting with our tamariki and assisting them on their learning journey. A proud family man, I enjoy spending time with my two boys and beautiful wife.
Hannah MacPherson
Rūma Toru (Room 3) Teacher
[email protected]Kia Ora, my passion is teaching and learning - all students should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. I'm in my fifth year at Kaurilands and look forward to working alongside our amazing staff. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling and baking.
Hannah Pragert
Rūma Rua Tekau mā rima (Room 25) Teacher/Y2 Team Leader
[email protected]I am excited to be part of Year 2. Having taught at Kaurilands since 2014, I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to work in almost every year level. Getting to know the strengths, passions and interests of our tamariki helps me to provide engaging and exciting learning opportunities.
Hayley Jesperson
Rūma Tekau mā whitu Teacher (Room 17) / Y1 Team Leader / Junior Literacy Curriculum Leader
[email protected]As an experienced teacher, I have been involved with Kaurilands for many years, firstly as a parent of my 4 children and now as the proud teacher of Rm 17 and Year 1 Team Leader. I work with amazing, passionate teachers who ensure the transition to school is a smooth one for both child and family.
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]It's been my pleasure to work at this wonderful school for 14 years, seeing excited 5 year olds ready to begin their school journey and leaving as confident, empathetic, knowledgable, independent children. I love every moment of every day! I enjoy reading, gardening and time with family and friends.
Jaime Lyon
Rūma Rua (Room 2) Teacher
[email protected]Kia Ora. This is my first year teaching at Kaurilands. I am excited to officially be a part of the team and look forward to teaching Y5 Rūma Rua with Steph. I believe in building positive connections and embrace what makes each child unique. I love spending time with my 4 gorgeous children.
Jaimee Leigh Cope
Rūma Rua Tekau mā toru (Room 23) Teacher
[email protected]Hi I’m Jaimee! I have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2016. I am all about finding out what makes children tick, their unique interests and skills, and using this to tap into and unlock new learning. I like to hang out with my husband and our 2 (dog) children - Bruce and Robin.
Jenna Powell
Rūma Waru (Room 8) Teacher Year 4 Team Leader
[email protected]I am excited to be the Team Leader of the Yr 4 team working alongside passionate and inspiring teachers. I love to provide authentic, fun and challenging learning experiences focusing on what is important in our children's world. In my spare time you will find me at the beach with my paddleboard.
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
Rūma Whā (Room 4) Teacher/Y6 Team Leader / Senior Maths Curriculum Leader
[email protected]Kia ora koutou - My name is Josh and this will be my 7th year as part of the Kaurilands whānau. I am the Year 6 Team Leader and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such a dynamic team this year. I am passionate about supporting ākonga (learners) to grow and thrive in their own unique way.
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 (Room 20) Teacher
[email protected]I have been working at Kaurilands for 18 years and still look forward to coming to work each day! I enjoy teaching our younger tamariki and as we have a very special environment at Kaurilands, I am proud to be a member of this awesome community. A keen reader, I also love walking and travel.
Kim Williams
Rūma Toru (Room 3) Teacher / Te Kahui Leader/I-CoL
[email protected]school.nzKia ora te whānau, I have been part of the fabulous Kaurilands kura for 5 years. I love being a part of our students' school journey and like them I am always keen to learn more! Out of school I am passionate about spending time with my whānau, we love to head to head outdoors, especially the beach.
Kirsten Pickett
Rūma Rua Tekau mā toru (Room 23) Teacher
[email protected]I am so excited to be joining the Yr 2 Team in a collaborative teaching role. I have been teaching for 15 years and love working with the younger tamariki helping them grow as learners. My passions are spending time with my family, taking tropical holidays, music and hanging out with friends.
Kyle Ayres
Rūma Whitu (7) Teacher
[email protected]Hi I’m Kyle and I am excited to be starting my second year teaching year 4 at Kaurilands school. I am passionate about creating a supportive and engaging but equally challenging classroom promoting children’s personal and academic growth. I enjoy beachside camping, sports and snowboarding.
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 (Room 21) Teacher
[email protected]I am part of a wonderful Yr 2 team. I love working with junior children, watching them grow in learning and as a person. My own passion is for the outdoors and exploring being creative through art, craft and music. I love meeting and learning about the new personalities that will make up Rm 21.
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.
Lucy McHardy
Rūma Whā (Room 4) Teacher / Senior Literacy Curriculum Leader
[email protected]Kia ora, I’m Lucy. This is my sixth year teaching but my first year at Kaurilands School. I have recently moved back to Auckland after a few years travelling and teaching in Te Anau. I am excited to teach Year 5 & 6 in Rūma Whā with Josh and get to know more about the Kaurilands community.
Melissa Jones
Rūma Tekau mā whitu (Room 17) Teacher
[email protected]Originally from Sydney, I moved to stunning New Zealand in 2007. I have taught Performing Arts at schools Auckland-wide and I am now lucky enough to learn alongside Hayley and Rm 17 for Term 1 before opening the new entrant class in Rm 18 in Term 2. I love being able to call Titirangi my new home!
Melissa Williams
Rūma Tekau mā rima (Room 15) Teacher
[email protected]This will be my third year teaching at Kaurilands. I love teaching 5-year olds, you get to see so much wonder and learning and the infectious energy of our Yr 1 tamariki is awesome. In my spare time I like to paddleboard, read and spend as much time as possible with my own three tamariki.
Nick van den Borst
Rūma Tahi (Room 1) Teacher / Y5 Team Leader
[email protected]Kia ora, I’m Nick and I am so excited to become part of the Kaurilands whānau. I will be leading the Yr 5 team in Rūma Tahi. I love teaching Maths and enjoy incorporating digital technologies into my teaching. I have a two year old daughter Rose and my passion is skiing.
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 (Room 9) Teacher / Literacy/I-CoL Curriculum Leader
[email protected]2020 will be my 6th year teaching at Kaurilands and I am lucky to be part of the Yr 3 team in Rūma Iwa alongside Robyn. My favourite thing about teaching is being part of children's personal and academic growth, helping them gain the skills required to be successful in all their future endeavours.
Rebecca Pirret
[email protected]My name is Rebecca and this is my first year at Kaurilands. I’ve taught across all year levels and I am excited to be taking on the newly developed role of Learning Support Coordinator this year. I’m looking forward to learning about and being a part of Kaurilands School.
Robyn Applegate
Rūma Iwa (Room 9) Teacher
[email protected]I am thrilled to be joining the Yr 3 team and look forward to many learning adventures with our tamariki. My passion is to create a positive classroom environment where students feel supported and excited about their learning. I love travelling, music, photography and time with my family.
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 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 (Room 1) Teacher Year 5 / Digital Curriculum Leader
[email protected]Hi I’m Sarah! I am lucky to be working in the Year 5 team this year. I believe that recognising each tamariki’s strengths and celebrating their successes creates a supportive space for us all to grow and thrive in. Outside of school I enjoy walking my dog and swimming in the ocean.
Siân Branks
Rūma Rima (Room 5) Teacher
[email protected]In my 7th wonderful year as a kaiako (teacher) at Kaurilands, I value connections with tamariki and whānau and hope to provide a challenging, innovative and dynamic environment helping tamariki take ownership of their learning. I cherish whānau/friends, sun, surf, exercise and spirituality.
Stacey Anyan
Rūma Tekau mā Whā (Room 14) Teacher
[email protected]I have been teaching juniors at Kaurilands since 2018 and I am stoked to be involved with this strong community spirited school. I was inspired to return to teaching by my takariki to share in their natural wonder and curiosity about the world. Previously a writer, I now write in my spare time.
Stephanie Martin
Rūma Rua (Room 2) Teacher
[email protected]I’m so excited to be embarking on my fourth year of teaching in this amazing Kaurilands community. I’m lucky to be working with the Yr 5 team, alongside the lovely Jaime in Rūma Rua. I love nurturing and inspiring children to pursue their passions and curiosities. I love exploring beautiful NZ!
Steve King
Rūma Rua Teka mā whā (Room 24) Teacher
[email protected]Kia ora! I’m Steve and this is my first year at Kaurilands. I feel absolutely privileged to be working with the whānau at Kaurilands and to be teaching Year 2’s. I am passionate about food, science, music, astronomy and technology. In my spare time I play drums in a rock band and love to cook.
Steve Van Nes
Rūma Tekau (Room 10) Teacher
[email protected]Matua Steve is the name, teaching Year 3 is the game. Kaurilands is the best school on the planet and I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing community. I love to innovate and empower our tamariki to be the best they can. Outside school life I keep busy with my gorgeous 2 year old and newborn.
Suzanne Freeman
Rūma Tekau mā toru (13) Teacher / Y3 Team Leader
[email protected]I am privileged to be leading the Yr 3 team. I absolutely love teaching at Kaurilands where children are given a fabulous environment in which to be curious and involved. My passion is to provide motivating and engaging opportunities to learn. I love time with my family and friends and to travel.
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
[email protected]A talented artist with a great sense of humour, 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]I have been connected to the school for many years as parent, class teacher, SENCO and Senior Leader. I love learning and working with our Kaurilands community and enjoy spending time in our beautiful environment. My passion is reading, going to the gym and spending time with family and friends.
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.
