31, March
We would like to thank everyone involved in donating such wonderful prizes and selling so many tickets for our very successful Year 7’s raffle and congratulate our prize winners: Winners 1st...[...]
Meet Our Staff
At Wellesley, we’re proud of our inclusive culture and of our passionate, hardworking and dedicated staff members.
Below is some information on each staff member. They were asked to answer the following questions: What is your whakapapa? What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley? What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Senior Leadership
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What is your whakapapa?
My Whanau are from both Maori and Scottish heritage. My Iwi is Ngai Tahu and my Runanga is Aro Whenua. My Scottish side hail from Perthshire and have always been farmers, the connections to both Whenua and Moana are deeply important to me.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Building relationships, getting to know our families and whanau. Deepening the work we do with adventure and understanding the richness of our place.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I’m a foodie. I love searching for new and exciting fresh ingredients. I’m excited about exploring what this region has to offer. With an inability to travel, food has the unique ability to fill our senses.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
That’s easy – the kids! Seeing them overcome challenge, work together to achieve and surprise themselves with their efforts. There is simply nothing that compares to that lightbulb moment.
Veronica Stevens
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
Email: veronica@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 802
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Leadership Team, and I am the Deputy Principal in charge of Teaching and Learning at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am a very proud New Zealander, I am also Ngati European. It is this rich tapestry of European heritage that has shaped me as the person I am.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Making a positive difference to the life of every boy who walks through our gate. I come to Wellesley each day, with a passion to seek out that magical moment, when we know that we have made a difference.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I am incredibly blessed with a wonderful family, my husband and two children. With them, I share a zest for life, enjoying everything we can about living in this beautiful country.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The honour of working in such a stunning environment, with such passionate staff and students. Enabling all of us to discover our best as we learn together.
Wellesley is unique, and we know of no other school where our son could thrive and grow as he does here. The smile on his face as he heads off to school each day, says it all!
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Hello! I’m Amanda Barfoot and I joined the Wellesley College team in January 2023, as the Principal’s Executive Assistant.
Originally from the Hawkes Bay, I have been living in Wellington for over 26 years. For the past 15 years I have committed to the aged care sector and grown my career in corporate settings. It seemed logical when choosing to start a new work environment that it would be at the other end of life’s spectrum, surrounded by young people’s zest for learning and life.
It has been wonderful getting to know the boys, staff and wider Wellesley family and being a member of the wonderful community.
Gavin Hughes
Teacher- Year 5 , Middle Syndicate Leader
Email: gavin@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 841
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Middle Syndicate as well as the Senior Leadership Team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
Ko Taranaki tōku maunga. Ko Waiwakaiho tōku awa. Ko Mathieson tōku iwi. Nō Scotland ahau. Ko Gavin taku ingoa.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I really enjoy focusing on creating a great relationship with each boy. I also ensure the boys receive a holistic education. This not only includes necessary literacy and numeracy skills, but areas such as mental health and well-being. I want to ensure their time at Wellesley is fun and something they remember fondly for the rest of their lives.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My family comes first for me and I love spending time with them. I am incredibly passionate about mountain biking and love to get out riding whenever possible.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The caring relationships that exist between the boys, staff, parents and whānau. I think the boys here are incredibly lucky to have specialist teachers. The learning that goes on in these areas is outstanding. I also feel that we are so fortunate to have a school situated in such an beautiful setting. Having both the bush and the sea nearby provides so many unique learning opportunities for our ākonga.
Liza Fitzsimmons
Teacher- Year 8, Senior Syndicate Leader
Email: liza@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Syndicate at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am NZ Pakeha.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love the setting, environment and atmosphere that encompasses Wellesley as you come through the school gates. The special relationships that I have with my students make me want to come to work every day. As far as teaching and learning are concerned, I enjoy teaching Mathematics and Science. I love putting together interesting and inspiring displays which seem to encourage the boys to produce their best work.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My passions outside of Wellesley and teaching are definitely the mountain and skiing; in particular Mt Ruapehu, my ‘magic mountain’. I am also a passionate artist. My inspiration is people and their relationship with each other and all aspects of water. I am fascinated in the movement, colours, tones and forms of any water scene. My garden at home is my therapy and pleasure during the weekends.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Definitely the wonderful support and encouragement offered by fellow staff members. And of course, the boys; both for their enthusiasm for learning, as well as their inquiring minds in discovery about life. Of course the setting is stunning but the real essence of Wellesley is based in the school values and is embedded into everything we do. These values really resonate with me. Respect and empathy, perseverance and risk taking are what I believe in and have followed throughout my life.
Chévon O’Leary
Teacher- Year 4, Junior Syndicate Leader and Head of RE
Email: chevon@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 842
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am the Leader of the Junior Syndicate and part of the Senior Leadership Team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am originally from Cape Town. I did my OE in London and lived there for four years, where I met my husband and moved to New Zealand.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Teaching the boys, helping and watching them develop into wonderful young men.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My family, and doing things with them in the beautiful outdoors environment.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The staff, the students and the community. Being a part of the students’ and their families’ lives.
I have two sons at Wellesley. We felt that the school caters well for boys, providing a wonderful environment that brings the best out of every boy.
Teaching, Administration and Support
Anna Boyack
Teacher- Year 2
Email: anna@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Junior Syndicate at Wellesley
What is your whakapapa?
I have Irish and British ancestors. Growing up in the Hutt Valley, I feel connected to Petone Beach and Te Aaw Kairangi, the Hutt River.
Fortunately, I have spent all my summers in a small settlement called Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. My family have been travelling to Glenorchy, climbing mountains, swimming in the lake and spending time with extended family there for over 80 years. Glenorchy is my turangawaiwai.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
When it comes to teaching, building and fostering meaningful relationships with students, their families and the community. I have a special spot in my heart for teaching literacy. I have always enjoyed reading and writing and love developing students’ skills in this area.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love walking and running around Petone. You can often find me out on The Esplanade with at least one of my children. I am a very passionate reader and am also of a very active book club that meets often and spends hours talking books! Because I worked in Film and Television for 5 years, I love NZ cinema, and try to get to the movies as often as I can. Mainly though, I spend my free time with my husband and children. We love going to restaurants and cafes around Wellington and try different types of cuisine.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I am looking forward to being part of Wellesley and finding out what makes it such a special place.
Natasha Corrales
Teacher- Year 0/1
Email: natasha@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 809
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Junior Syndicate at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am New Zealand born and married to Luis who is from Costa Rica. All of my family come from the Wellington region. We speak English and Spanish at home.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Teaching the boys and learning about their interest and how they best learn. Seeing the progress the boys make over the year is incredibly rewarding. Making my classroom programme fun, educational and interesting.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Spending time with my family and with friends. I enjoy reading and baking. I also enjoy swimming and walking my dog.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The beautiful environment that we get to work in, being by the sea and the bush. Having these two places to explore is wonderful. I really enjoy teaching the Year 0/1 boys; they are energetic and keep me on my toes. I love that the boys get amazing opportunities to have specialist teachers in the Arts, STEM and PE.
My son, Gio, currently attends Wellesley. My husband and I decided to send him here because of the fantastic opportunities the boys have. I like that the classes are single cell and that the teachers really care and have the boys’ interest at heart. It’s a beautiful environment for Gio to learn and play.
Kerry Krauss
Teacher- Year 3
Email: kerry@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:848
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Junior Syndicate at Wellesley, teaching Year 3.
What is your whakapapa?
I was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand at the end of 2022. My family includes my husband Marc, my two boys: Damon and Tyler and two ginger cats!
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Forming relationships with the boys in my class is important to me. Children who feel safe, heard and understood are better able to learn and reach their full potential.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My greatest love is my family, spending time with them is my favourite past time. We love doing things outdoors in this beautiful city. We also all enjoy watching soccer and are passionate about the teams we support! I love to read and dance and am a huge cat lover too!
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Wellesley is a truly magnificent school, filled with incredible people. I feel so lucky to be a part of the Wellesley family and look forward to this brand new chapter.
Shelley Twigg
School Readiness Programme Teacher
Email: shelley@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Junior Syndicate at Wellesley – Teaching the School Readiness Programme
A little bit about me:
I am an experienced teacher who has worked with a range of ages in both Lower Hutt and Canterbury. In my spare time I am kept busy by three young children and my interest include exercise, gold, interior design and visual arts. I am excited to bring my passion, enthusiasm and sense of fun to Wellesley.
Giorgina Cooper
Teacher – Year 5
Email: gina@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 840
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Middle Syndicate.
What is your whakapapa?
My family background is Celtic. My grandparents are from Ireland and England. I was born and raised in Wellington.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I am very curious about the world and love learning new things and I would like to develop this in the boys I teach at Wellesley.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I like to attend musical events. I hope to join a choir once I am more settled into Wellington. Travel is a big passion of mine so I like to take trips to visit new places and also places I have visited to catch up with friends.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Wellesley has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are very supportive and the facilities are wonderful.
Morné Delport
Teacher- Year 6
Email: morne@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Middle Syndicate at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I grew up in South Africa and I relocated to New Zealand in March of 2023. I married my partner Jade in South Africa in December 2023.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I am most passionate about teaching when I am interacting with my learners. My goal as a teacher is to build strong connections with my students and earn their trust so that I can help them realise their potential and find their purpose in life.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Outside of school, I am most passionate spending time with my family and being physically active. I love going to gym, running, and playing sport, particularly football. I am a fanatical “Blues” supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
What I love most about working at Wellesley is that the school is advanced and innovative, which means I will be able to develop my skills and knowledge as a teacher. The fact that my colleagues at Wellesley are so helpful and understanding only makes my learning journey that much more exciting.
Billy Miskimmin
Teacher – Year 6
Email: billy@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 822
READ PROFILE
Ko Tainui toku waka. Ko Kakepuku toku maunga. Ko Puniu toku wai tapu. Ko Maniapoto toku iwi. I tipu ake au ki a Ōkiwi (Eastbourne). Ko Billy Miskimmin toku ingoa.
Kia ora, my name is Billy Miskimmin. I’m very excited to be joining the Middle School Team for 2024 and to meet the boys I will be sharing our class with. I value forming and maintaining positive relationships with all and nurturing a class culture that uplifts the mana of each student.
I grew up in Eastbourne and had the pleasure of being a student at Wellesley in Years 7 and 8. A personal favourite memory was our Year 7 camp to the South Island. I have two older brothers, Sam and Tim, who also went to Wellesley. They both have kids of their own, so we are a growing family.
I have a background in music, and it is what originally drew me to teaching. I play guitar, drums, and harmonica among other instruments too. I love sharing that with students, especially when I see them develop an interest in it too. I am also a big lover of sports. I have played hockey my entire life, but also love surfing, snowboarding and running. Another passion of mine is Te Reo Māori
Bryn Rees
Teacher – Year 6
Email: bryn@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 849
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Middle Syndicate
What is your whakapapa?
Tena koutou katoa. Ko Ruahine tāku maunga. Ko Takapau tāku iwi. Ko Tukituki tāku awa. Kei to kura o Wellesley au e mahi ana. Ko Raymond Rees tāku koro. Ko Edna Davis tāku kuia. Ko Bryn Rees tāku ingoa. Kia ora koutou.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Helping the boys grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically. To act as a mentor and a facilitator. I also love learning from the children and their families, and from fellow staff.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My family, including my large extended family and friends. I love to travel, breed thoroughbred horses (champions) and participate in, coach, and watch sport.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The people, especially the boys, the resources and the environment. It’s like no other.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Syndicate at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am born and raised in Eastbourne, an old boy at Wellesley 1977-81. I now live in Whitby. I spent some time in Australia growing up, and also lived in London in my thirties. My wife Libby is a teacher, and I have twin daughters Grace and Amelia. My mum worked as a teacher at Wellesley in the 70s and 80s.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I have been teaching since 1994, with some breaks to work as a writer for television, for postgrad study and to travel. My particular passions are creative writing, music and cricket.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I play in an acoustic covers band, I try to keep my hand in with the script writing. I like to spend as much time with family as possible, especially up the Kapiti Coast at Waikawa where my wife’s family have a bach.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The boys, the staff, the chance to express your passions in your job (e.g. School Productions), the sporting opportunities, the environment, and the traditions which I feel very much part of.
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Syndicate.
What is your whakapapa?
My Whakapapa is tied in closely with the Eastbourne area, with significant spiritual wellbeing tied to the Parangarahau Lakes and East Harbour Regional Park areas.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
The opportunities available to the students and seeing them reach milestones of success, both individually and collectively.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Outside of school I am dedicated to sport all year round (particularly football and cricket) alongside burying my head in a good book, or exploring aspects of digital technology.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Wellesley is a fantastic place to work because of the supportive nature of all the staff. As a result the students are given many opportunities to discover themselves and learn in an environment that is built around them.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Syndicate (Y7 & 8) at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I was born in Invercargill, raised in Christchurch, and educated overseas!
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Sharing a classic piece of literature with boys and challenging them to think for themselves: e.g. Lord of the Flies, Animal Farm, Genesis, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Raising a busy family, reading (Unity Books is my favourite shop in Wellington), off-road hill running (entering events which allow exploration of lesser known parts of NZ!) and making homemade pizzas while watching ‘The Sopranos’ reruns.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Working with excellent people to help outstanding boys who are about to make the transition to college.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Syndicate (Y7 & 8) at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
Dutch and English ancestry. I have lived, and grown up in the Hutt Valley.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love the challenge of focusing on each student as an individual and catering to their needs to obtain that ‘eureka’ moment.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I like to exercise and have a love of all sports. Specifically, football, cricket, and Formula 1.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The boys are what makes Wellesley a great place to work; their enthusiasm and curiosity pushes us to continuously strive to adapt our program and facilitate to their individual and collective needs. With the support and depth of knowledge from staff, it consistently drives me to improve my practices. I enjoy the opportunity of being in an environment where we can help each boy reach their full potential across all areas of school life. .
Luis Corrales
Coach Wellesley United
Email:
Extension:
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
What is your whakapapa?
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am the STEM teacher at Wellesley and part of the Specialist Teachers Team here.
What is your whakapapa?
Born in Liverpool with Irish/Scottish parents, I came to New Zealand when I was 5 and after graduating Victoria University of Wellington moved to South-East Asia where I lived for 24 years. In 2020 I returned home with my Thai wife and we have now made New Zealand our home.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Education has always been a passion of mine but creating ways for students to enjoy themselves while learning, and in turn become passionate about the world around them, is my goal.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Anything altruistic is exciting for me, I’ve volunteered almost all of my life and love the feeling of helping others.
Carolyn Currington
Specialist Teacher – Performing Arts, Co-ordinator Itinerants Music
Email:carolyn@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a part of the Specialist Team at Wellesley, teaching performing arts and choir.
What is your whakapapa?
I am a New Zealand European from Dunedin.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love seeing the boys participate in every aspect that Wellesley has to offer. Seeing the pure joy on their faces when they’re following their passions is what I love most about Wellesley.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love all aspects of the performing arts. I direct an award-winning barbershop chorus of over 50 women and enjoy the challenges this brings. There’s nothing like knowing you’ve assisted someone to do something they never thought they were capable of.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love the enthusiasm of the boys and the passion of the staff.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Specialist Teaching Team, teaching Visual Arts at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am of Australian Dutch Heritage.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Creativity and getting the boys to express themselves through the Arts.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Creating my own abstract mixed media artworks.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love the beautiful environment, the supportive family atmosphere and teaching my passion.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I teach French to the Junior Syndicate.
What is your whakapapa?
I am a French New Zealander bought up by French parents in New Zealand. I studied French at Victoria University of Wellington. I have been teaching French for the last 20 years in Wellington as a License Holder for Fun Languages.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley when it comes to teaching?
I am passionate about the importance of children to learn a second or third language. Learning a second language is good for childrens’ overall development and building self-confidence. If you make the language learning fun and proactive then half the battle is won!
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love being active and enjoy gardening. Teaching Zumba Fitness classes to kids and adults is one of my passions.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love the welcoming and beautiful environment.
Kara Orr
Specialist Teacher – Physical Education, Health and Sport
Email: kara@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Specialist Teaching Team, teaching Physical Education, Health and Sports at Wellesley
What is your whakapapa?
My whakapapa is tied in with the Hutt Valley area, raised in Upper Hutt. I moved to Palmerston North for University and then lived in London for my OE. Due to covid, I moved back to Upper Hutt in 2020 and have been here ever since.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley when it comes to teaching?
I am most passionate about creating a learning environment that makes young people feel inclusive, safe
and motivated to thrive for individual excellence. Being a teacher, I have the honor of watching young
people develop personal belonging and identity.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Outside of school I am extremely passionate about sports and wellbeing. My winter sport is netball, where I am a proud member of Naenae Collegians United Netball club. Throughout the summer I play touch rugby and enjoy travelling around New Zealand. I like to spend a lot of my time at the gym and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Courtnay Dittmer
Teacher Support
Email: courtnay@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 817
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a Specialist Teacher for the Learning Support team.
What is your whakapapa?
I am of New Zealand European descent and come from a family with deep roots in the Wellington region, spanning several generations. As a proud Kiwi I appreciate the unique and rich Māori culture of Aotearoa and honour the heritage of our tangata whenua.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
My favourite part of teaching is the opportunity to build relationships with my students. I believe that learning is most effective when students feel supported and understood. Watching a student experience that ‘aha’ moment—when something they’ve struggled with finally clicks—is incredibly rewarding.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
As a mum of three energetic boys, I understand the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued and motivated to grow. I am excited to join the team at Wellesley and look forward to building strong, positive relationships with the students, staff, and wider community. Outside of teaching, I lead a busy life with my husband and our boys. Our days are often filled with bike rides in search of the best local coffee spots, adventures at playgrounds, and kicking balls around. When I do find a moment of quiet, I love spending time with my friends, going for walks, and diving into a good book.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
Learning Support Team
What is your whakapapa?
I have ancestry links to Scotland, England and Ireland but my whanau have been in Aotearoa since the 1830’s. Eastbourne is my Turangawaewae.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Getting to know, understand and help scaffold / equip the individual student to become more confident in, and excited about, their own learning journey.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Family, Community (I enjoy being part of two local playgroup teams). Enjoying the incredible outdoors this special part of the world offers (e.g. kayaking and also walking our golden retriever in the hills and beaches of Eastbourne and Days Bay). Learning more about neurodivergence, and how to help scaffold / support the neurodivergent community.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The dedicated friendly teaching team, the stunning environment and the privilege of working alongside the students on their learning journey.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
Learning Support Team
What is your whakapapa?
I was born in England and emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 14. I am proud to be a New Zealand citizen among my immediate family who are all New Zealanders. My wider family embraces both European and New Zealand heritages.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Wellesley is such a beautiful environment which the staff and boys embrace. I enjoy working with the boys and sharing their learning journey within this lovely setting. I feel privileged to be able to continue my learning, alongside the boys, making use of all the facilities this place has to offer.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love to walk. We live in a beautiful country and walking is a great way to experience our local environment. It is also a great excuse to travel and enjoy other parts of the country. Spending time with friends and family whilst walking is a perfect combination. Reading is another favourite thing to do which is one reason why I enjoy working to support boys with reading, so that they can experience the joy of a good book for themselves.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The best thing for me, in my work, is seeing boys achieve. They work so hard and being able to share their successes is extremely rewarding.
Mary-Anne Morgan
Head of Learning Support
Email: mary-anne@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 817
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a Specialist Teacher for the Learning Support team.
What is your whakapapa?
I am of Polish and Kiwi descent, married to James (Maori/Cook Islands). Two children, two moko. Waikato born, but Wellington is my Turangawaewae (my father was born in Days Bay).
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Empowering students, especially those with learning challenges, with the tools, strategies and confidence to succeed.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Family, reading, piano, walking my dog, and exploring the New Zealand wilderness. I love singing with the Orpheus Choir.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Our culture of passion for learning and supporting the boys to be their best academically and build all-round strengths. Working with a dedicated, motivated team towards a shared vision. Above all, sharing the learning journey with all its challenges and joys, with students, their teachers and families.
Clint Agar
Property Manager
Email: clinton@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 806
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Support Staff team at Wellesley.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Maintaining a safe & healthy environment for our boys and staff
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Being part of a supportive team.
Kate Cole
Administrative Support
Email: kate@wellesley.school.nz
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Administrative Team at Wellesley
What is your whakapapa?
I was born in Cape Town, South Africa. I am a recent Kiwi import.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I enjoy supporting staff and students to use technology in an innovative manner and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I enjoy exploring New Zealand, spending time with my family and photography.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
There is a really great camaraderie among the staff and the community of boys.
Teresa Davidson
Catering Assistant
Email: teresa@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 811
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Admin Team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am originally from the Philippines, and now a proud Kiwi.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love being part of a team that provides our boys with wonderful and healthy food choices.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Spending time with my family.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love working in such a supportive environment.
Colleen de Boer
Accounts Administrator
Email: colleen@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 803
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Finance team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I am New Zealand European.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love being part of the Wellesley Family.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Outside of school I am passionate about my grandchildren and my family.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The staff and our great boys.
Toni Dines
Sports Coordinator
Email: toni@wellesley.school.nz
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Administrative Team at Wellesley, working in Sports Administration alongside Kara
What is your whakapapa?
I am originally from the UK and moved to NZ in 2022.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Making sure everything ‘sport’ is as organised as possible, with the boys interests at heart.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I enjoy fashion design and being creative with fabrics as well as singing in a barbershop chorus.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The most wonderful location, we really are so lucky to work in such an amazing area and working with the fabulous Wellesley team.
Felipe Gomes
Community Engagement Manager
Email: felipe@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 818
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Administration team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
My mixed Portuguese and Spanish heritage shapes my diverse culture and identity. I feel a deep connection with Te Taiao, inspired by the beauty and power of Moana. My roots are symbolised by “Morro do Tucam” in Itacoatiara, which holds a special place in my heart.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Fueled by my passion for sports and the great outdoors, I am always eager to embrace new adventures. I feel most alive when I pitch a tent in a picturesque location, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature. Each camping trip brings me new experiences and unforgettable memories, from lush forests to remote beaches. Travelling serves as my ultimate escape, enabling me to recharge and find inspiration in the world around me.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
At Wellesley, I witness the magic of learning and the potential for excellence. It’s a vibrant community of passionate individuals committed to positively impacting the world. Here, I find motivation and support to strive for greatness, pursue my passions, and make a constructive difference.
Debe Howard
Administrator- Office Manager
Email: debe@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 800
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
Support Staff
What is your whakapapa?
I am from Pukawa Bay.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Getting things done well!
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Family and friends.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The positive environment here at the school.
Rachel Seymour
Catering Manager
Email: rachel@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 836
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What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Providing good healthy food choices to both Wellesley boys and staff.
Engaging with the boys, understanding their food preferences and challenging their likes and dislikes.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The school culture, the friendly working environment and the respect between staff and students.
Laurina Wylie
Librarian
Email: laurina@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 807
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Kia Ora
It is a privilege to be working as the librarian in this beautiful school. I live locally with my husband and two boys, and can usually be found climbing the hills with our dog, Sadie. My spare time is focused around family and I love being outdoors – walking, hiking, swimming and gardening.
I am passionate about libraries in schools. I thrive on creating a welcoming space that encourages and inspires our school community – one that reflects the passions and interests of the boys. My mantra is “All reading is good reading” and I look forward to sharing a love of literature with your son.
Kian Lotz
Gap Tutor
Kian Lotz
Gap Tutor
Email: gapper1@wellesley.school.nz
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am the Gap Tutor for 2025
What is your Whakapapa?
I am from a small town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
What are you most passionate about ?
My passions are mostly sports related. I love to stay fit and active. My main passion is cricket but when it comes to teaching, maths would be my biggest passion.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
My passions include cricket, hockey and going to the beach.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I am looking forward to getting to know the kids and joining them on all the camps and sports tours.
Lumi Jorna-Pickering
Emotional Support
Email: glen@wellesley.school.nz
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
Specialist and Library teams.
What is your Whakapapa?
Mum – Sookie (half maltese/half shitzu). My father is full maltese.
Adopted Dads – Glen Jorna (staff member) and Andrew Pickering.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I love bringing joy to people, and offering emotional support and therapy to the boys and staff.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I like going on big walks, chasing birds, playing mostly with human beings, and eating chicken, ham or anything meat related.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love assisting Ms Kent (Auntie Jane) in the library, helping out in the art room, and getting lots of attention – especially when I get given treats that Dad doesn’t know about!