The Principal
The Principal is the day-to-day manager of the school, and heads the curriculum areas with the support of the teacher assigned as curriculum co-ordinator.
Kathryn Hira
I have the great privilege of being the principal of St Joseph’s Catholic School, Orakei. Prior to coming to St Joseph’s in April 2010 I was Associate Principal at Marist School in Herne Bay and in 2004/05 spent 15 months working as a consultant on an education reform project in Qatar.
In New Zealand I have always taught in Catholic Schools and truly believe that they are special places where every child’s academic, spiritual, physical and emotional development is nurtured so that they can reach their full potential.
I have found St Joseph’s to be a very warm and welcoming school, with enthusiastic, successful learners and a very supportive community. At St Joseph’s we have a team of highly dedicated teachers and staff who have as their first priority the education and welfare of our students.
St Joseph’s may be small in size but it is certainly mighty in spirit!
Deputy Principal - Sue BennettI have the great privilege of being the principal of St Joseph’s Catholic School, Orakei. Prior to coming to St Joseph’s in April 2010 I was Associate Principal at Marist School in Herne Bay and in 2004/05 spent 15 months working as a consultant on an education reform project in Qatar.
In New Zealand I have always taught in Catholic Schools and truly believe that they are special places where every child’s academic, spiritual, physical and emotional development is nurtured so that they can reach their full potential.
I have found St Joseph’s to be a very warm and welcoming school, with enthusiastic, successful learners and a very supportive community. At St Joseph’s we have a team of highly dedicated teachers and staff who have as their first priority the education and welfare of our students.
St Joseph’s may be small in size but it is certainly mighty in spirit!
Sue Bennett
I first came to St Joseph’s as a reliever in 2007. During that year I taught Year 5/6 and occasionally Year 3/4.
In 2008, I returned to St Joseph’s as Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher of Year 5/6. Prior to moving to St Joseph’s I taught mostly on the North Shore. Since I have been at St Joseph’s I have had the privilege every day of teaching children from different cultural backgrounds, this has enriched me as a teacher.
I first came to St Joseph’s as a reliever in 2007. During that year I taught Year 5/6 and occasionally Year 3/4.
In 2008, I returned to St Joseph’s as Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher of Year 5/6. Prior to moving to St Joseph’s I taught mostly on the North Shore. Since I have been at St Joseph’s I have had the privilege every day of teaching children from different cultural backgrounds, this has enriched me as a teacher.
Teaching Staff
Room 1, Years 5 and 6 - Sue Bennett
Sue Bennett
I first came to St Joseph’s as a reliever in 2007. During that year I taught Year 5/6 and occasionally Year 3/4.
In 2008, I returned to St Joseph’s as Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher of Year 5/6. Prior to moving to St Joseph’s I taught mostly on the North Shore. Since I have been at St Joseph’s I have had the privilege every day of teaching children from different cultural backgrounds, this has enriched me as a teacher.
Room 2, Years 3 and 4 - Karen RosneyI first came to St Joseph’s as a reliever in 2007. During that year I taught Year 5/6 and occasionally Year 3/4.
In 2008, I returned to St Joseph’s as Deputy Principal and Classroom Teacher of Year 5/6. Prior to moving to St Joseph’s I taught mostly on the North Shore. Since I have been at St Joseph’s I have had the privilege every day of teaching children from different cultural backgrounds, this has enriched me as a teacher.
Karen Rosney
KIA ORA! Will be updated in the near future.
Room 3, Years 2 and 3 - Hanna Gillott [4 days], Bethmary Findlay [1 day]KIA ORA! Will be updated in the near future.
Hanna Gillott
After many years teaching in England I returned to live in New Zealand in 2000.I was very fortunate to be offered a position to teach at Saint Joseph’s, a small school within Auckland with amazing surroundings. This is my 11th year teaching at Saint Joseph’s.
As Saint Joseph’s is a small school it is very easy to get to know all the children and their families, the manner in which the older children respond to and help the younger children reflects the values of the school.
I enjoy the close links we have with the Marae at Orakei. The different cultural backgrounds of the children and their families bring together a snapshot of New Zealand within one school. All the staff at Saint Joseph’s, including our Parish Priest and the Sisters, work together help to provide a positive learning environment to reflect the school’s Catholic character. I am very proud to be a part of this community.
Room 5, Years 1 and 2 - Victoria ViallAfter many years teaching in England I returned to live in New Zealand in 2000.I was very fortunate to be offered a position to teach at Saint Joseph’s, a small school within Auckland with amazing surroundings. This is my 11th year teaching at Saint Joseph’s.
As Saint Joseph’s is a small school it is very easy to get to know all the children and their families, the manner in which the older children respond to and help the younger children reflects the values of the school.
I enjoy the close links we have with the Marae at Orakei. The different cultural backgrounds of the children and their families bring together a snapshot of New Zealand within one school. All the staff at Saint Joseph’s, including our Parish Priest and the Sisters, work together help to provide a positive learning environment to reflect the school’s Catholic character. I am very proud to be a part of this community.
Victoria Viall
I first came to St Joseph’s School 5 years ago from the UK.
The staff, children and community soon had me feeling at home, as they do with all new families to the school. The children here are inquisitive and enthusiastic learners and I thoroughly enjoy working alongside their parents to guide them on their learning journey.
Room 4, Years 0 and 1 - Rebecca McGarryI first came to St Joseph’s School 5 years ago from the UK.
The staff, children and community soon had me feeling at home, as they do with all new families to the school. The children here are inquisitive and enthusiastic learners and I thoroughly enjoy working alongside their parents to guide them on their learning journey.
Rebecca McGarry
Tena koutou,Ko Kapuka-taumahaka toku maunga.Ko Owheo toku awa. Ko Ionic toku waka.Ko Ngati Pakeha me Ngai Tahu oku iwi. No Otepoti toku turangawaewae, Engari No Tamaki-makau-rau toku kainga inaianei. Ko Rebecca McGarry toku ingoa.
My name is Rebecca McGarry and I teach in the New Entrant class.I began teaching at St Joseph Catholic school in July 2010. Most of my teaching experience has been in the Junior school and it is a level of teaching I love. I am originally from Dunedin but I have worked in Auckland and London before teaching at St Joseph’s Catholic School.
The St Joseph’s community is friendly and open and I have felt welcomed into it.
Tena koutou,Ko Kapuka-taumahaka toku maunga.Ko Owheo toku awa. Ko Ionic toku waka.Ko Ngati Pakeha me Ngai Tahu oku iwi. No Otepoti toku turangawaewae, Engari No Tamaki-makau-rau toku kainga inaianei. Ko Rebecca McGarry toku ingoa.
My name is Rebecca McGarry and I teach in the New Entrant class.I began teaching at St Joseph Catholic school in July 2010. Most of my teaching experience has been in the Junior school and it is a level of teaching I love. I am originally from Dunedin but I have worked in Auckland and London before teaching at St Joseph’s Catholic School.
The St Joseph’s community is friendly and open and I have felt welcomed into it.
Additional Teaching Staff
Director of Religious Studies - Justine Agnew
Justine Agnew
St Joseph’s is a special part of my life in New Zealand. Having arrived from South Africa 25 years ago, St Joseph’s has become my anchor and point of reference with family back home. I began teaching here and we joined the Parish. These two events eased the wrench many immigrants experience in a new country. I have found St Joseph’s to be an inclusive, nurturing and safe environment and two of my children have been educated at the school.
In this small, Catholic school which values and encourages all round excellence, they learned the importance of caring for others, accepting all people without discrimination and having the courage to live their faith. As adults they are independent, assertive and avid learners which I attribute to this unique Orakei ‘gem.’
Thank you St Joseph’s.
Learning Support - Justine AgnewSt Joseph’s is a special part of my life in New Zealand. Having arrived from South Africa 25 years ago, St Joseph’s has become my anchor and point of reference with family back home. I began teaching here and we joined the Parish. These two events eased the wrench many immigrants experience in a new country. I have found St Joseph’s to be an inclusive, nurturing and safe environment and two of my children have been educated at the school.
In this small, Catholic school which values and encourages all round excellence, they learned the importance of caring for others, accepting all people without discrimination and having the courage to live their faith. As adults they are independent, assertive and avid learners which I attribute to this unique Orakei ‘gem.’
Thank you St Joseph’s.
Reading Recovery - Diane Downey
Teacher Aides - Janine Nola
School Support Staff
School Secretary - Jan Castle
Jan Castle
On the 16th March, 2011, I completed my 24th year at St Joseph’s as School Secretary.
I have been married for 49 years, so I can honestly say that St Joseph’s has been and continues to be a large part of my life. The greatest enjoyment of this job is the students, and it is always uplifting when I encounter former students and hear what they are doing and how they are succeeding. I believe so much in St Joseph’s and what it stands for, that I have encouraged 8 of my grandchildren to attend here. It is an atmosphere that encompasses all nationalities and celebrates those differences.
It is a school that places great emphasis on Aroha, Faith, Justice (Tika) and Integrity (Pono).
Caretaker - Seti KigitamaOn the 16th March, 2011, I completed my 24th year at St Joseph’s as School Secretary.
I have been married for 49 years, so I can honestly say that St Joseph’s has been and continues to be a large part of my life. The greatest enjoyment of this job is the students, and it is always uplifting when I encounter former students and hear what they are doing and how they are succeeding. I believe so much in St Joseph’s and what it stands for, that I have encouraged 8 of my grandchildren to attend here. It is an atmosphere that encompasses all nationalities and celebrates those differences.
It is a school that places great emphasis on Aroha, Faith, Justice (Tika) and Integrity (Pono).