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!
Chris Parker
Dean of Pastoral Care and Specialist Syndicate Leader
Email: chris@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 805
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am leader of the Specialist Teachers Syndicate, and a part of the Senior Leadership Team at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I grew up and lived in several countries across Asia, but studied and began teaching in England. In NZ and at Wellesley since 2008 I am now a proud Kiwi.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
The development and celebration of the ‘whole child’ has been at the centre of my teaching career, so love the personalised learning focus here at Wellesley. Pastoral care has also been a focus in my teaching life.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Working with such a varied, interesting, passionate group of teachers and support staff is awesome! I love the beach / bush location of the school and all the opportunities available here. I enjoy engaging with the parents and families, and of course working with the Wellesley boys.
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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.
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Senior Leadership Team and responsible for Finance at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
Of English and Scottish origin – but really 6th generation Kiwi!
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Making sure there are appropriate systems and financial disciplines in place to ensure we can deliver now and in the future the promises we make to the students at Wellesley.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love to travel, especially to places where I can experience different cultures and different histories.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Having spent all my working life in the professional accounting environment, I find Wellesley to be a supportive and caring environment where individual contributions are truly appreciated.
My two sons both attended Wellesley from Year 1 to Year 8. The overwhelming sentiment I was left with after they had left Wellesley was that they had been instilled with wonderful values and were well prepared for the next stage of their lives.
Liza Fitzsimmons
Teacher- Year 8, Acting 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.
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.
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
Michelle Colley
Teacher- Year 2
Email: michellec@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 847
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am part of the Junior Syndicate.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Providing boys with fun and engaging activities.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Spending time with my son and hanging out at our caravan at the beach.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
The wonderful environment, being situated between the bush and the sea. Being able to inspire the boys. I’m very fortunate to also have my son at Wellesley.
Natasha Corrales
Teacher- Year 0/1
Email: natasha@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 809
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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 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.
Kristi Field
Teacher- Year 0/1
Email: kristi@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:845
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
Learning Support Team.
What is your whakapapa?
I grew up in South Africa.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
I enjoy teaching literacy.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Spending time with my two boys and exploring New Zealand.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Seeing the boys grow in confidence during their learning journey.
Libby Hainsworth
Teacher- Year 4
Email: libby@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 847
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What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a member of the Junior syndicate, teaching year 4.
What is your Whakapapa?
I am a proud New Zealander of Irish descent on my father’s side and with Scottish heritage on my mother’s side. I was born in Dunedin but was raised on a lifestyle block in Akatarawa, just north of Upper Hutt.
What are you most passionate about, when it come to teaching?
Working with parents to support their child’s learning and develop is a real privilege. Watching their child suddenly grasp a concept they have found challenging, and seeing their progress is incredibly rewarding. That is what I love about being a teacher!
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love the beach! Walking, swimming, kayaking and sailing are all hobbies of mine. I also love cycling and am an aspiring painter.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love the way the whole school community embraces its members, whether it be the students or the staff. I feel incredibly welcome and supported working here. I love the amazing experiences that the boys get to experience, it is an exciting place to be. Being by the beach is a fantastic bonus!
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.
Ashley Chesterfield
Teacher- Year 6
Email: ashley@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 822
READ PROFILE
Kia ora, my name is Ashley Chesterfield
I have taught across a variety of Wellington Schools for the last 8 years and have experience across all levels of primary education. I am passionate about teaching and love seeing children grow and reach their full potential.
Whanaungatanga is at the heart of my teaching. I place high importance of developing positive reciprocal relationships with all my tamariki and their whānau. I strive to create an environment where children feel valued and supported while adequately challenging and guiding them to achieve their personal and learning goals.
I love my cat Luna, travelling, nature, reading, cooking, gardening, exercising and learning new things. I also enjoy doing lots of arts and crafts, digital design, photography and baking. I look forward to meeting you all very soon, and being part of your community.
Ngā mihi nui, Ashley Chesterfield
Giorgina Cooper
Teacher – Year 5
Email: gina@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 840
READ PROFILE
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.
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. I am teaching in a team with Carolyn Currington.
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.
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a part of the Senior Syndicate at Wellesley.
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 Senior Syndicate at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
I grew up in South Africa and I relocated to New Zealand in March of 2023. My partner and I will be getting married in South Africa towards the end of 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.
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.
READ PROFILE
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
Kia ora. My name is Mitchell Van de Coolwijk. I am 25 years old and have been involved in education since I left school myself.
As a Nanny and Teacher Aide during my studies, it seemed natural to jump into being a teacher.
I love all things sports, especially cricket and Formula One. When I’m not playing sports, you’ll find me reading. I look forward to meeting you all.
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.
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 Hawkes
Specialist Teacher – Performing Arts, Co-ordinator Itinerant Music
Email: carolynh@wellesley.school.nz
Extension:
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a Specialist Arts Teacher at Wellesley, teaching performing arts.
What is your whakapapa?
I am a New Zealand European, born in Tanzania, raised in Palmerston North, studied and taught in Christchurch then spent 18 years in London.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Seeing boys grow into their own talents. Watching them discover new skills that they can refine and developing a love for The Arts. I just love giving boys an opportunity to shine.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
I love spending time with my family, I love gardening, and I love making music.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
Meeting you all and getting to know the community that is the heartbeat of this school.
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.
Stu Pyne
Specialist Teacher – Health and Physical Education
Email: Stu@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 832
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a Specialist Teacher in Sports at Wellesley.
What is your whakapapa?
My family are from England and I was born in Middlesbrough. I moved to New Zealand in 2011.
What are you most passionate about when you are at Wellesley?
Developing quality learning experiences for our students whether it is in the classroom, gym, or in the sporting arena.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Taking advantage of New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle.
What do you like most about working at Wellesley?
I love the welcoming environment that our school creates.
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?
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
Special Education Needs Coordinator – SENCo; Specialist Teacher- Orchestra
Email: mary-anne@wellesley.school.nz
Extension: 817
READ PROFILE
What Team / Syndicate are you a part of?
I am a Specialist Teacher for Learning Support and The Arts.
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?
Being part of a team educating boys in our very special place between the bush and the sea. Working with parents, class teachers and music teachers to help provide each student with the opportunity to learn and be their best.
What are you most passionate about outside of school?
Family, reading, piano, 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.
Kathryn Cole
Administrative Support
Email: kathryn@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
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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.
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.
Sally Velvin
Sports Coordinator
Email: sallyv@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 alongside Stu.
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?
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.
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!