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 (Room 22) Teacher Year 2/ Y2 Team Leader
Email Abby SkeenThis 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.
Alyce Fulop
Teacher Aide
Email Alyce FulopI absolutely love supporting the children I work with and being a part of the Kaurilands community. I am a Mum of four children who have all attended our lovely school. In my down time I love reading, cooking, heading to the gym and I am quite partial to a bit of shopping!
Amanda Chapman
Part time release teacher
Email Amanda ChapmanI have had a long association with Kaurilands having started my teaching career here and both my children having attended the school. I enjoy working with students in Rm 12 and relieving across the school. I like to explore new places with my family, walking, gardening and arts and crafts.
Amelia Le Cheminant
Ahi Kaa Teacher
Email Amelia Le CheminantI have been teaching at Kaurilands since 2012 and absolutely love being part of this school community. I have taught all age groups and I am really looking forward to working with the Senior School and my amazing Y5 students.
I am a mum of 3 and love reading, yoga, delicious food and gardening.
Anita Maxwell
Administrator
Email Anita MaxwellI feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with an incredible bunch of colleagues and wonderful children.
Each day brings something new at Kaurilands. Our family are long term residents of Titirangi, we absolutely love our community and our natural treasure - the Waitakere ranges.
Ashley Goodspeed
Rūma Tahi A (Room 1(a)) Teacher
Email Ashley GoodspeedI am thrilled to be a part of the Kaurilands whānau. I believe in creating a positive environment supporting students and love the adventure that students and teacher embark on while learning together. I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors, especially the beach or running trails.
Carron Grayson
Office Assistant / Medical Room
Email Carron GraysonMy 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.
Catherine Wiechern
Rūma Whitu (Room 7) Teacher
Email Catherine WiechernI consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work at Kaurilands. I am a first year teacher working in Rūma Whitu in Year 4. I am excited for the year ahead with my class and the other staff who make this school such a wonderful learning environment.
Catriona Pianina
Rūma Teka mā ruā (Room 12) Teacher
Email Catriona PianinaGetting to know whānau is important and I work hard to provide a balance in my teaching to cater for every unique learner. My passions are personal wellbeing and all things creative. I love spending time with family, being in nature and hanging out with my two adorable cats Lola and Luigi.
Erin Namajuska
Associate Principal
Email Erin NamajuskaI 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 Frances O’HanlonI am excited to be part of the Y3 & Y4 teams 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 Georgia MartinI 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 Iwa (Room 9) Teacher
Email Georgia ThompsonKia ora, I’m Georgia! This year I will be a part of the Year 3 team at 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.
Glenys Ferguson
Part time release teacher.
Email Glenys FergusonKia ora koutou. I am excited to be the ‘Friday’ teacher in Room 15 for a second year. This will be my sixth year of teaching, and I have been teaching part-time and relieving for the past 18 months. Outside of school I like to swim, read, cook, and go walking.
Grace McDonald
Library Assistant
Email Grace McDonaldHi 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
Rūma Rua (Room 2) Teacher / Y6 Team Leader
Email Grant O'ConnorTēna 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.
Hayley Jesperson
Rūma Tekau mā whitu Teacher (Room 17) / Y1 Team Leader
Email Hayley JespersonAs 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 Amor
Business Manager
Email Jackie AmorEven though 2020 has been a crazy time for most of us, I feel really happy to be a new member of the Kaurilands team. I’ll be in the office as well as out and about around the grounds, so have the best of both worlds. Hope to see you all soon.
Jackie Fletcher
Secretary
Email Jackie FletcherI 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 Jackie TaylorIt'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 Whā (Room 4) Teacher
Email Jaime LyonKia Ora. This is my second year teaching at Kaurilands. I am excited to be a part of the Year 5 team and look forward to teaching my time in Rūma Whā with Nick. 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 Tekau mā one (Room 16) Teacher
Email Jaimee Leigh CopeHi 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.
Jo Augustine
Principal
Email Jo AugustineI have had the privilege of being the Principal of Kaurilands for 11 yrs. 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
Release Teacher
Email Jo SenioTalofa, I'm Jo and I have the privilege of 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
Part Time Release Teacher
Email Jo WoodsI have been part of the Kaurilands whānau for 7 years and have enjoyed the opportunity to teach over a variety of year levels. In 2021 I am teaching Y1 on Fridays and am very much looking forward to building relationships with the Y1 children. I look forward to another wonderful year at Kaurilands.
Jocelyn Heremaia
Email Jocelyn HeremaiaI 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 Waru (Room 8) Teacher/Y4 Team Leader
Email Josh FarrellKia ora koutou - I'm Josh and this will be my 8th year as part of the Kaurilands whānau. I am the Yr 4 Team Leader and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with such a dynamic group of kaiako (teachers). I am passionate about supporting ākonga (learners) to grow and thrive in their own unique way.
Karen Topps
Teacher Aide
Email Karen ToppsKaren 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 Kim MorganI have been working at Kaurilands for 19 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 Tahi B (Room 1(b)) Teacher
Email Kim WilliamsKia ora e te whānau, I have been a part of the fabulous Kaurilands kura for 6 years. I love being a part of our students' school journey and like them I am always keen to learn more! I am passionate about spending time with my whānau, we love to head head outdoors especially to the beach.
Kirsten Pickett
Rūma Rua Tekau mā toru (Room 23) Teacher
Email Kirsten PickettI 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.
Kristin Lee
Rūma Iwa (Room 9) Teacher / Y3 Team Leader
Email Kristin LeeI'm Kristin and I am so excited to join Kaurilands. I am leading the Y3 team and teaching in Rūma Iwa with Georgia. I enjoy planning meaningful and engaging experiences and creating a classroom culture promoting a love of learning. I love time with friends and family and playing indoor netball.
Kyle Ayres
Rūma Rua Tekau mā tahi (Room 21) Teacher
Email Kyle AyresI am excited to be a Year 2 teacher this year. I am passionate about creating a supportive and engaging, but equally challenging classroom that promotes children's personal and academic growth. While teaching is my true passion, I enjoy beachside camping, snowboarding, and BBQing with my mates.
Kylie Inancsi
Teacher Aide
Email Kylie InancsiMy 3 beautiful girls all attended Kaurilands School. They loved it here and still have strong friendships with their friends who also attended. I absolutely love working at Kaurilands with the children and staff. I work 1 on 1 with a number of children in class and also work with ELL children.
Kylie Parkinson
Part time release teacher
Email Kylie ParkinsonI will be teaching Fridays in Rm 2 this year and have been part of the Kaurilands whānau for 10 years and love working with such talented and awesome staff. I run drama lessons and workshops, as supporting students' growth and development using a drama approach is my passion and specialist skill.
Lani Maoate
Release Teacher
Email Lani MaoateI am thrilled to be back teaching at Kaurilands in Ruma Kowhai alongside Emma Tamura. I have two children, one who is in Y5 at Kaurilands and one pre-schooler. I love the curiosity and joy that new entrants bring to the classroom. It is a privilege to be part of such a fantastic school.
Laura Hillier
Rūma Rua (Room 2) Teacher
Email Laura HillierKia ora whānau. I have been part of the Kaurilands community as a parent for many years and am thrilled to now be part of the teaching team. I love teaching and can't wait to share my knowledge in Science and Technology with our tamariki.
Laura Turner
Librarian
Email Laura TurnerScottish Book Wizard (aka School Librarian), advocate of reading for pleasure, graphic novel enthusiast and reader of as many kids' books that I can. When not in the School Library you'll find me at one of our Local Libraries reading.
Join our School Library FB page: fb.me/KaurilandsSchoolLibrary
Lillian Bombay
Rūma Rima (Room 5) Teacher
Email Lillian BombayI am part of a wonderful Y4 team. I love working with all 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 Room 5.
Lucia Williams
Teacher Aide
Email Lucia WilliamsI started helping in my son's class when he was a student here which then led me to complete a Certificate in Teacher Aiding. I have been a member of staff since 2015 and I work with various children throughout multiple year levels.
Lucy McHardy
Rūma Toru (Room 3) Teacher
Email Lucy McHardyKia ora, I’m Lucy. This is my seventh year teaching but my second year at Kaurilands School. I have recently moved back to Auckland after a few years travelling and teaching in Te Anau. I am very excited to teach Year 5 in Rūma Toru with Sarah this year.
Madeline Henty
Rūma Rua Tekau mā rima (Room 25) Teacher
Email Madeline HentyKia ora I'm Madeline! I am excited to be teaching Room 25 this year where we will be exploring the world around us. I hope to instil a growth mindset in each of my students and passion to be lifelong learners.
Melissa Jones
Rūma Tekau mā waru (Room 18) Teacher
Email Melissa JonesOriginally from Australia, I spent 13 years hopping back and forth between Auckland and Sydney teaching Performing Arts. Now I'm a Titirangi local and love calling this stunning part of the world my new home! I adore teaching the Year 1'as and settling them into school life.
Melissa Williams
Rūma Tekau mā rima (Room 15) Teacher
Email Melissa WilliamsThis will be my fourth 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.
Micaela Bonnar
Release Teacher
Email Micaela BonnarI have been a teacher at Kaurilands School since 2014 and treasure being a part of this wonderful community. This year I will be covering Team Leader Release. My spare time is usually spent chasing after my rascally toddler!
Natalie Dalzell
Teacher Aide
Email Natalie DalzellI value my supporting role at Kaurilands School and it brings me joy helping children grow and learn in the classroom and encouraging them to do the best they can whilst embracing their unique personalities.
Nick van den Borst
Rūma Whā (Room 4) Teacher / Y5 Team Leader
Email Nick van den BorstKia 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 Whā. I love teaching Maths and enjoy incorporating digital technologies into my teaching. I have a two daughters and my passion is skiing.
Paula Dron
Part time release teacher
Email Paula DronKia ora, I’m Paula and I am so excited to be in Ahi Kaa on Fridays and look forward to celebrating each of our student’s individual progress in all aspects of school life and the curriculum. A mum of three girls myself, I find it inspiring and a privilege to be learning from them every day.
Rachael Van Den Berg
Teacher Aide
Email Rachael Van Den BergI have the pleasure of working with children across multiple year levels within our school. I feel very privileged to be a part of the Kaurilands community and to be able to support our children to achieve their greatest potential along their learning journey.
Rebecca Barrett
Rūma Tekau mā toru (Room 13) Teacher
Email Rebecca BarrettThis is my 7th year teaching at Kaurilands and I am lucky to be working alongside Lani in Rm 13 and the Y3 team. I am currently training to be a Reading Recovering teacher. I love being part of children's personal and academic growth, enabling them to be successful in all their future endeavours.
Rebecca Pirret
Learning Support Co-ordinator
Email Rebecca PirretMy 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 Tekau (Room 10) Teacher
Email Robyn ApplegateI am thrilled to be part of the Y3 team again 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 Sandra FletcherSandra 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 Sarah MilnerMy 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 Toru (Room 3) Teacher Year 5
Email Sarah MuthiahHi I’m Sarah! I am lucky to be working in the Y5 team with Lucy in Rūma Toru 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. I enjoy walking my dog, snowboarding and swimming in the ocean.
Stacey Anyan
Rūma Tekau mā Whā (Room 14) Teacher
Email Stacey AnyanI love sharing in children's natural wonder and curiosity about our world! Being a Playcentre parent inspired me to return to teaching in 2018. I’m also obsessed with reading and writing; my previous job was staff writer at current affairs magazine North & South.
Stephanie Martin
Release Teacher
Email Stephanie MartinI’m so excited to be embarking on my fourth year of teaching in this amazing Kaurilands community. 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 Steve KingKia ora! I’m Steve and this is my second 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.
Suzanne Freeman
Rūma Tekau mā iwi (Room 19) Teacher
Email Suzanne Freeman 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 Toni HoldawayI 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
Release Teacher
Email Tracey HendersonA 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 Tracy SutherlandI 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 Vicki PalmerI 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.
